Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 157

This innovation helped to measure the bricks used to build houses in ancient India.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Think about the simplest and most direct tool for measuring lengths.

Correct Answer: C) Ruler

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

In ancient India, the construction of houses and other structures required precise measurements to ensure the uniformity and stability of the buildings. The ruler, a simple and direct tool for measuring lengths, was commonly used for this purpose. The ruler allowed builders to measure the dimensions of bricks and other building materials accurately, ensuring that each brick was the correct size and shape for the construction process.

The ruler is a straight edge with marked intervals that indicate units of length. It is a fundamental tool in construction and has been used for centuries in various forms. In ancient India, rulers were likely made of materials such as wood, metal, or bone, and they were essential for ensuring that bricks were consistent in size and shape. This consistency was crucial for the structural integrity of the buildings being constructed.

Other options like the tape measure, yard stick, and balance scale are not suitable for the context of ancient Indian construction. A tape measure is a modern tool that was not available in ancient times. It is typically used for measuring longer distances and is not as precise for measuring individual bricks. A yard stick is similar to a ruler but is longer and less precise for the specific task of measuring bricks. A balance scale, on the other hand, is used for measuring weight, not length, and would not be useful for measuring the dimensions of bricks.

Therefore, the ruler is the correct answer as it was the most practical and commonly used tool for measuring the bricks used in ancient Indian construction. It provided the necessary precision and simplicity required for ensuring the uniformity of building materials.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. A tape measure is a modern tool and was not available in ancient India. It is used for measuring longer distances and is not the simplest tool for measuring bricks.
  • Option B: Incorrect. A yard stick is also a modern tool and was not used in ancient India. It is similar to a ruler but longer and not as precise for measuring individual bricks.
  • Option C: Correct. A ruler is a simple and direct tool for measuring lengths, making it suitable for measuring bricks in ancient Indian construction. It was likely the most practical and commonly used tool for this purpose.
  • Option D: Incorrect. A balance scale is used for measuring weight, not length. It would not be useful for measuring the dimensions of bricks.

Mnemonic: Remember: Ruler for rulers.

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